I know I've said it before, but there are some projects that I think I enjoy photographing even more than knitting (we're splitting hairs here, but there it is). This scarf is surely one of them - and this post is so photo heavy, I doubt the text will be able to hold its own.

Manually striping Noro is a classic trick done by many a knitter before me - just check out all the beauties over on Flickr. I admit to spending a good amount of time appreciating all the interesting variations on the same theme for quite some time before taking the plunge myself. For full disclosure, this one sent me over the edge.

I've gotten a lot of e-mails about this scarf so I thought I'd throw out all the details - if it's too much for you, feel free to gloss over this section and rest your eyes on the hypnotic color changes. Noro is good like that.

The scarf is worked over an odd number of stitches in 1x1 ribbing which, in my opinion has two big benefits: the scarf is reversible and behaves very well (no curling) while also plumping up into a thick fabric that will look suspiciously like stockinette if you leave it unblocked. I cast on 39 stitches using US7/4.5mm needles to get a width of about 5.5 inches. On scarves of this nature I prefer to work a slipped stitch edging which adds a nice, polished touch and perfectly hides the working yarn as you carry it up the sides whilst striping to your heart's content. I worked two-row stripes using two different colorways of Silk Garden, slipping (purlwise) the first and last stitch on the second row of every stripe.

Colorways: I can appreciate all the amazing colors that Noro hits out of the ballpark, but in general wouldn't wear most of them. They're pretty bold. Lucky for me, Noro makes a few colorways that are toned down a bit but retain their luscious, tasteful, saturated quality that the knitter in me is drawn to. Not to mention the texture, which will slay me every time.

I used a total of 4 balls of Silk Garden (which will land this scarf in the $40-45 price range if you buy full price retail. A bit pricey for a scarf but ... so ... beautiful... ) in three different shades.

Two of the four balls of yarn I used were shade #201 which is a nice mix of deep blue-blacks, marine blues, silvery greys with a little purple shock thrown in to keep things interesting. See them pre-knitting here. I striped 201 throughout the entire length of the scarf with Silk Garden #234 and #86, two colorways that to me are rather similar. Main colors in both are understated and elegant crimsons, golds and blues, with lots of cool and warm grey tones in between. In their current configuration you can scarcely tell that they're from two different color families. Pre-knitted cakes of 234 here and 86 here.

I'm not sure there's much else to say about the knitting - it feels a little like cheating working such an easy, mindless process and ending up with such a stunning result. The benefits of a quality fiber (and dye job) have never been more apparent.

With spring upon us and summer approaching, I'll take what few opportunities I can to throw this thing on, but for the next couple of months I'm happy to call it wall-art in my apartment.

Very beautiful! I'm glad you are such a good knitter and photographer, and that you choose interesting and varied projects. I don't comment much, but I'm very often inspired by your site. Have a great week!

beautiful! i made 3 of those this winter and gave 2 away as gifts. it's rare to make something that looks so nice with only minimal effort. i really love the colors that you chose, i'll have to write them down for next time!

My husband just told me he wanted a new scarf. I might knit all three of us one, my four-year-old included. This is a gorgeous scarf. I've been waiting to see the finished product. I must say, I'm wondering if YOUR photography could make my projects look this wonderful. Probably not.

Gorgeous gorgeous scarf... I've been in love with it since I first saw it :) And of course I want to replicate it... but my problem is: I can't find a single online shop that has those 3 shades available. First I tried European shops... it is a miracle if they have more than 2 shades in their shop at any time, let alone 3 that would work together.Would you be able to point me in the right direction?Cheers Eva - who also enjoys your photos :)

i like this one for it's simplicity. i think, should i ever teach someone to knit, i'd go for a noro scarf. used the 201 for a clapotis myself. have been wearing it a lot and more than that it has taught me a lot about colours.

Love your color choices here - I find the Noro colorways generally a little too strong myself, though I do enjoy just having some sitting out as table art. If I can find a decent deal on ebay for some of this yarn, I may be trying this scarf myself. Just found your blog recently, and love your photography as well as your knitting. Thanks for the inspiration!

I definitely borrowed this idea and am using it with some leftover self striping sock yarn (I don't remember the brand, but it's the kind used in the Not Just Socks books). I've had these leftovers lying around for about a year now and had no idea what to do with them. The scarf I'm making is a lot of fun. Thanks for the idea!

Oh wow. That is simply gorgeous! It's the first FO I've seen that makes me want to run out and buy Noro. Even though it is now humid and summery here, I'm starting this next. Thanks for the inspiration and the details.

Beautiful and ingenious. 1 x 1 knit is such a great look. I am doing a sweater of 201. I am wondering whether you used all of 86 and then the other color (I understand that you used the 201 for alternative rows).

Thanks so much for the details about this scarf, I have finished my first one and am on to two more for christmas gifts. It is absolutely beautiful and Silk Garden is devine! :) Your photography is also stunning. Keep up the good work. Love the blog.

Hi Jared and thank you so much for all detailed info on this beautiful scarf. I am planning on knitting it for my father, but am unsure about the length. He is 5 feet 8, and I'm not sure if a superlong scarf will make him look short? What do you think, as a knitter and as a person of the male variety?

Thanks so much for posting this. I love the Noro yarn and had been looking for something to knit with it. I am currently making this and am just about done. I think that I may now have to make the hat you have posted made with the noro yarn to go with it.

I am new to knitting & have questions regarding the pattern.1) You CO an odd number of stitches, but are slipping the 1st & last of each new color's 2nd row, does that mean you star the next row w/ a P1 ?2) are the 1st two rows in the initial CO done in a K1 P1, or do you slip them as well?

Beautiful scarf (and great photos)!! Makes me want to run out and spend the money for the Noro yarn. I always end up putting it down when I see it at my local yarn shop because money is tight and I feel bad spending it on something I don't have definite plans to use. Well, now I have a pattern for Noro!! Time to splurge! Yay!